Meet Our Trainers

Sherry Altman, a skilled Dog Trainer based in Venice, FL, has over 12 years of experience at Woof & Wags Agility Training. ​ Sherry specializes in agility training, behavioral assessments, and positive reinforcement techniques, fostering strong relationships with dogs and their owners. ​ Her expertise includes group class instruction, command training, and enhancing client retention through effective communication and customized training programs. ​

Key skills include agility training, dog body language interpretation, teamwork, customer service, and professionalism. ​ Her work history highlights her ability to strengthen handler-dog relationships, conduct behavioral assessments, maintain detailed training records, and promote dogs' physical fitness and well-being. ​ She also advises owners on equipment and behavioral needs.

Sherry has 2 Australian Shepherd Dogs and has competed in Agility, Obedience, Rally and worked with the Dog Therapy program​

Sherry is a member of APDT, Professional Dog Trainers Association & holds a Associate degree in Business Education from Lafayette Business College in West Lafayette, IN.

Contact information:
Email: altmanaussie@comcast.net

Jeff Joyce has been involved with shelter, rescue and breeder dogs for over 50 years. The past couple of decades he has become a certified trainer and canine behavioral therapist. As a business owner in Englewood Florida, ASB Southwest FL, LLC, he specializes in virtual one-on-one consultations, assisting pet parents with emotionally traumatized dogs. Veterinarian and veterinarian behaviorists recommend their clientele to him to provide therapy in conjunction with their prescribed medical plan or when other options have not produced the desired outcomes.

Canine behavioral therapy works on treating the causation of the behaviors instead of the symptoms. Understanding the function of a behavior and the dog’s point of view is essential towards the healing process. Management, prevention, human education and canine learning will lead to a greater bond between the canine and humans. When we focus on the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of the dog, then change can occur.

Currently, he is a board member for Positive Solutions for A Sound Beginning and serves as their director for behavior training to shelter/rescue staff and volunteers across the country. He is also a member of the Pet Professional Guild, Association for Professional Dog Training International and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

Contact Information:
Private Phone or Virtual Session Scheduling: jeffjoyce.as.me
Email: myreactivek9@gmail.com

The Konnected K9, LLC
Connection, Cooperation, & Control (CCC) Certified Instructor

Michele discovered CCC in 2016 and embraced it after experiencing profound changes in her relationships with her own dogs. She completed her CCC Instructor Certification in 2018 so she could share her enthusiasm for CCC with other handler and dog teams.

With a Masters of Education degree, 16 years of teaching experience in elementary and special education, and over 20 years of experience working with animals, Michele continues to further her education about dogs through workshops with Suzanne Clothier, Bob Bailey, and Sue Sternberg. She has completed a variety of training classes, including Nosework and Rally Obedience, to deepen her relationships with her own dogs.

Since 2002, Michele has enjoyed volunteering for Canine Companions for Independence, including raising puppies and teaching their local training classes. She has also volunteered with Pets On Wheels and National Capital Therapy Dogs providing animal-assisted activities and animal-assisted therapies, as well as the R.E.A.D. Program.

Michele lives with her Labrador/Golden Retriever, Spike, her Miniature Dachshund, Rocket, and her VERY patient husband.

Contact information: 
Email: TheKonnectedK9@gmail.com

Bess Walmsley is the owner of K9 Best Manners LLC., a positive, family friendly dog training based business. She has been an instructor for The Greater Venice Dog Club for as long as we have been offering classes. She has taught everything from handling for the show ring, puppy classes, obedience Levels 1 and 2, Canine Good Citizen classes and "funObility". FunObility combines obedience, beginner agility and tricks and is fun and exciting for dogs and their families.

She has also taught many classes for Suncoast Humane Society, Peace River Dog Fanciers, CGC for Peace River Search and Rescue, and Suncoast Humane Society's Cell Dog program. She is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She has traveled around the US attending workshops and seminars with the best and most knowledgeable trainers in the country and I have brought this knowledge back to share with my students. She has trained over 400 pet dogs in this area and I still learn new things. I love to show people how to read their dogs and teach them how to be happy family members.

Contact information:
Email: k9BestManners@yahoo.com
Phone: (941) 497-1979
Cell: (941) 232-9397